Earn College Credit for Your Experience
Did you know you can put what you've learned in previous work or life experiences toward a degree or certificate?
Credit for prior learning allows you to finish college faster because you won't have to take classes in subjects you've already mastered outside the classroom.
This can translate into big cost- and time-savings for you. On average, students can save between $1,600 and $6,000—plus a lot of time and effort too.
Ways to Earn Prior Learning Credit
Take a look at the different ways you can earn prior learning credit:
- Work and life experiences
- Community and volunteer extension courses
- Individual study and reading
- Civic, community and volunteer work
- Participation in informal courses and training sponsored by associations, business, government or industry
Take a Prior Learning Assessment—Free of Charge
To receive credit for what you've already mastered, you will take a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). This assessment can be done through an exam or a portfolio to demonstrate mastery of the subject matter.
Prior credit is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and awarded for a particular course. The learning must:
- Be college-level
- Be applicable to your declared course of study
- Meet or exceed a "C" grade
Usually there are fees for these assessments. But from November 15, 2022 - April 30, 2023, taking a Prior Learning Assessment is free.
Forms of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA):
Next Steps
- Apply to FRCC with a declared course of study.
- Contact either the appropriate FRCC academic department or speak with a Pathways Advisor at your chosen campus to start the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process.
- From November 15, 2022 - April 30, 2023, all Prior Learning Assessment fees are waived.
Learn more about PLA requirements in the college catalog.